Find a New Career or Move Up in Your Field

Moving up in your current field or switching careers doesn't always require a four-year degree.

Pierpont Community & Technical College of Fairmont State University offers a wide array of non-credit programs that can be completed in less than a year for those seeking technical skills and job training.

"All of these programs are driven by and designed to meet local employers' need for qualified employees," said Paul Schreffler, Director of Economic Development and Workforce Education at Pierpont C&TC. "Opportunities continue to exist for well-paid jobs in our region, but good jobs require marketable skills, skills that can be learned here at the Center for Workforce Education."

The "Hire Education" programs at Pierpont C&TC's Center for Workforce Education in downtown Fairmont lead to certifications in health care, information technology, small business operations, security, mining, wood products and other industries in the area. The new floorhand training program is designed to lead to employment in the oil and gas well drilling industry. Jobs in this field require a "RigPass" certification that can be acquired through a program that will begin soon at Pierpont C&TC's new Braxton County facility.

Every day, Pierpont C&TC's Center for Workforce Education helps people find a new direction for their lives.

Mary Spickler of Fairmont spent 25 years working for her parents in a family-owned grocery store. After high school, she attended college but dropped out to devote more time to the business. After her mother's death and the store's closure, Spickler and her husband needed to find more income for their family. After applying for general office work at a few companies, she decided that a career in medical transcription was the right path for her.

"I started the Career Step program at Fairmont State in January and I am enjoying every minute of it," Spickler said. "I can actually say for the first time in my life that I love what I am doing and I feel like I am on the road to a very respectable job. "I am determined to learn this new 'language' and I aspire to be a great medical language specialist."

If you are tired of working at a dead-end job, or are looking to get a professional certification that will help advance your career, check out the programs offered at www.pierpont.edu/ce, or call (304) 367-4920. Financial aid is available for those who qualify.